Oates takes first World Cup medal of the year in Prague

COLIN Oates has claimed his first World Cup medal of the year winning bronze in Prague.

ON TOP: Great Britain's Colin Oates was in excellent form in Prague to collect World Cup bronze (British Judo)

Oates defeated France's David Czukiewycz in the -66kg category in just 55 seconds after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

Poland's Pawel Zagridnik halted the Brit's progress to the gold medal match after throwing Oates with one minute remaining to ensure the judoka could only compete for bronze.

The 26-year-old, who was voted British Judo's most improved squad player in 2009, is now looking ahead with confidence to the European Championships taking place in Vienna at the end of next month.

"This is no doubt my most significant medal to date. I have taken a World Cup medal before but to win bronze in such a strong field feels great," he said.

"I am now just focusing on getting back to training and selection for the European Championships."

Following Euan Burton's silver medal at the German Grand Prix last weekend, Great Britain coach Darren Warner is happy with how his squad is improving in 2010.

"Colin's medal is well deserved having dominated the entire day in a tough category of 57 competitors," said Warner.

"Even in the fight he lost, against Poland's Zagrodnik, he was in control but was just caught out.

"Head coach Patrick Roux has put an emphasis on our players building their fight and taking control and everything we are working on in training Colin has been putting into practice during this tournament.

"This was no doubt Colin's best performance to date and he is still improving.

"The entire team of six here this weekend have fought really hard."